NHL: Oilers block Wild's run for playoffs

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Detroit • Jordin Tootoo netted the go-ahead goal early in the third period, and Johan Franzen scored on a power play with 6:26 left, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-1 win Wednesday night over the Los Angeles Kings and into eighth place in the Western Conference.

Detroit is one point ahead of Columbus and one behind seventh-place Minnesota. All three teams have two games remaining.

The Red Wings are aiming to extend their postseason streak to 22, the longest in North American professional sports.

Detroit's Jimmy Howard made 23 saves and Pavel Datsyuk scored a game-tying goal midway through the second period.

The Dallas Stars, who are four points behind Detroit, host Columbus on Thursday and Detroit on Saturday.

Detroit will also face the banged-up and already eliminated Nashville Predators on Thursday at home.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Kings are trying to finish fourth to earn home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. They will host San Jose, which also has a chance to be fourth, on Saturday. EASTERN CONFERENCE